Secucity norms being violated at Patna airport

Patna: At present, airport security is being given top priority in the country, post-Mumbai terror attacks. But the way things are moving at the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport here, security appears to have taken a back seat.
Had it not been the case, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would not have allowed Ex-Servicemen's Protection (P) Limited, to work as ground handling agent (GHA) for Jet Airways, despite the fact that a Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) directive, issued some 20 days ago, clearly asked for withdrawing the security clearance to the said agency on grounds of national interest and safeguarding civil aviation operations.
The BCAS letter dated 27.11.08 was sent to AII's central headquarters which, in turn, sent it to AII, Patna.
"The Patna office received the letter on December 12. It then issued a letter to the proprietor of agency and station manager of Jet Airways regarding withdrawal of the security clearance to the present GHA on December 15," AAI sources said.
The AAI letter talks of making alternative arrangements immediately. However, personnel of the said agency were seen working on the airport even on Tuesday.
Incidentally, these personnel have access to apron as well as aircraft. While senior Jet officials are not willing to speak about the non-compliance of the AAI order, sources in the airline said that the airline was continuing with the existing GHA due to practical difficulties.
The airline may have its logic, but can one take risk on the security front in the name of practicality and that too in the age of international terrorism?
17/12/08 Sanjeev Kumar Verma/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Dec 2008, Safety Dec 2008